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Civilianized: A Young Veteran's Memoir

Review

Civilianized: A Young Veteran's Memoir

CIVILIANIZED serves as an applicable reminder that military members not only deserve consideration when overseas, but also merit attention over the long haul at a time when it is needed most --- when the soldier returns home.

Michael Anthony was a good soldier, but struggled incalculably as a civilian. In Iraq he honorably served 12 months in a combat support hospital where he treated wounded civilians, soldiers and even terrorists, often working while under mortar fire. He performed his duties by assisting doctors in treating wounds, suturing skin and sawing through limbs --- doing it all while trying to survive amid the war. He had a sense of duty that made him feel very alive, so he felt a sense of aimlessness when his tour ended and he had to return to the routine events of everyday life.

"Michael Anthony’s expressive wit and deep emotionality connect with a vital story to present an account of the veteran’s experience returning from war that is prevalent, yet far too infrequently told."

Anthony had read some self-help books that did not help at all. Within days he was addicted to Vicodin and drunk around the clock, and found himself picking fights in seedy bars --- constantly questioning himself as to whether it was worth it to stay alive. Like many others, Anthony is also a person with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The pain and personal anguish went on for far too long before he was able to learn how to live successfully as a civilian again and gain a renewed sense of self-worth. He knew he needed help, but the tragic fact is that he just did not know where he could get it. Inevitably, it was the inspiration he drew from his buddies, a girlfriend and writing that gave him the power to save his life by seeking professional treatment. Along with being a published author, Anthony has written for several blogs and served as an editor, and now lives with his wife and daughter in Massachusetts.

Some have described CIVILIANIZED as being darkly comedic. I would rather point out that the book is so brutally honest that it can unexpectedly elicit nervous laughter. It is honest, and though the circumstances are daunting, it is as refreshing as it is real. If it were not for Anthony’s natural wit and strength to carry on in the face of traumatic personal circumstances, the book would be almost too excruciating. The light at the end of the tunnel is that he is alive despite the nightmarish emotional rollercoaster he experienced. He describes his life and relationships explicitly during this period, and hopefully there is much that can be learned by what he reveals in order to assist others who face similar circumstances in the future.

Michael Anthony’s expressive wit and deep emotionality connect with a vital story to present an account of the veteran’s experience returning from war that is prevalent, yet far too infrequently told. CIVILIANIZED questions what it means to be a soldier, and what it then means to be a civilian. There are no easy answers, but Anthony delivers a dose of reality that can awaken the mind and provides useful information about the challenging transition soldiers face upon returning home.

Reviewed by John Bentlyewski on January 6, 2017

Civilianized: A Young Veteran's Memoir
by Michael Anthony

  • Publication Date: December 27, 2016
  • Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction
  • Hardcover: 192 pages
  • Publisher: Pulp/Zest Books
  • ISBN-10: 1936976889
  • ISBN-13: 9781936976881